GRADE FOUR GENERAL STUDIES

Overview

Students in the fourth grade are proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics. As such, they spend time honing their basic skills in all study areas to prepare them for the more critical and analytical work of the upper elementary grades. Through group work and research projects, students progress in their ability to work with one another and to interact socially.

Language Arts

Students work on identifying central ideas and related details, as well as distinct literary forms, such as plot or characterization. They learn to evaluate the author's purpose and point of view, and analyze characters through their actions. They grow in their appreciation of various types of writing as they distinguish between expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative texts. In their own writing, students work on developing paragraphs in which subordinate ideas are related to a main topic and topic sentence. They learn new research techniques, including interviewing; and they use discussion as a stimulus for creative writing. They develop checklists which aid them in their proofreading, and in editing their own work. Students simultaneously work on developing their vocabulary and their reading comprehension as they derive word meanings from contextual clues. They work on their oral skills through creating and telling their own stories, and learn to recognize the impact that the sound of language has upon meaning.

Mathematics

With the aid of charts, number cards, tables, and graphs, students learn the numbers to hundred millions and learn to add and subtract five digit numbers. Students also learn the Roman Number system. Building on their third grade multiplication studies, students learn to multiply two- and three-digit numbers and work on rounding numbers and estimation. Basic algebra is introduced, and a unit on division teaches students how to divide without remainders and with zero quotients, as well as learning to calculate averages. Students use pictorial representations to help them add and subtract fractions, and use graph paper to relate fractions to decimal numbers. Oral and written word problems demonstrate the real-life applications of the skills that are being learned.

Science

Students learn about geology and how it informs our understanding of natural history. They experiment with rocks and gems and learn about fossils. A unit on animal life teaches systems of classification, and museum trips reinforce the students' skill at identifying specific characteristics of various species. Lab experiments are performed which demonstrate magnetism and electricity, allowing the students to understand the physical forces that govern their lives. Studying natural habitats in New York helps students see that the world of nature exists in their own neighborhood.

Social Studies

Students study the geography of the New York area, reinforcing and building their facility with topographical maps, globes, compasses, and other tools. They learn how to create their own maps. Studying the early people of New York allows students to understand the impact of nature on human migration and culture. Students access the World Wide Web as they research early Native Americans and recreate native crafts and folktales. Studying the confrontation between the European settlers and Native Americans allows for discussion of diversity, and racial attitudes; a unit on Colonial times and the American Revolution enables students to develop a sense of patriotism. Students study the structure and organization of local government and learn about the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizenship. Students are exposed to various media and are taught to evaluate their respective advantages and disadvantages. Current events discussions continue as the students' media reading skills grow.

Art

Students view different styles of art, and conduct an in-depth study of Claude Monet and Impressionism. Working with acrylic paints and canvas, they interpret his work. Students study New York City and design a wood sculpture in the Cubist style of Pablo Picasso, as well as papier-mâché bottle people. They also recreate Alexander Calder's Circus using wire and clay. Students create self-portraits and learn about the proportions of the face.

Music

Students enjoy a two-semester program involving singing, programs, and music appreciation. They meet weekly in a music room equipped with musical instruments and stereo equipment, where they learn the basic musical tools of melody, tempo, dynamic, and singing on key. Students study the life and works of a particular composer, and continue to play the recorder, in preparation for their performance in the Link-Up program, which culminates in a concert at Carnegie Hall, with students playing as part of the orchestra. Students sing songs in English and Hebrew and prepare for the social studies play, which complements their social studies curriculum. Students enjoy Friday afternoon Shabbat assemblies and special programs, including concerts. They perform in Zimriah, a yearly musical program linked with a particular chag or calendar event.

back